Stubble Burning

Current Context : Recently, Supreme Court hit out at the Punjab and Haryana governments for their failure to take effective action against stubble burning, which results in the deterioration of air quality in the Delhi-National Capital Region (Delhi-NCR).

ABOUT

• Stubble burning refers to setting fire to the leftover stubble after the rice harvest. This practice is common between September and November in northern India, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Cause: The narrow time window between paddy harvesting and wheat sowing compels farmers to use this quick, inexpensive method to clear fields.

Impacts of Stubble Burning:

1. Air Pollution:Major source of pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NOx) that worsen air quality in the Delhi-NCR region, contributing to severe smog and health hazards.
2. Climate Change:Releases greenhouse gases (GHGs), exacerbating global warming.
3. Soil Degradation:Nutrient loss from burning residues negatively impacts soil fertility.

Stubble Management Strategies:

• Incorporation into Soil:Using machinery to mix stubble into the soil, improving fertility and productivity.
• Alternative Uses:Turning crop residues into animal feed, bioethanol, biogas, and compost.

Why Delhi faces the most severe pollution due to stubble burning?

• Geographical Proximity: Delhi is close to Punjab and Haryana, where stubble burning is widespread.
• Wind Patterns: Prevailing northwesterly winds carry smoke from the fields of Punjab and Haryana directly toward Delhi. These winds combine with local pollution sources like vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and construction dust.
• Local Emissions: Vehicular traffic, industrial emissions, and construction dust compound the problem.When combined with stubble burning emissions, the overall pollution levels become hazardous.
• Meteorological Conditions: During the winter months lower wind speeds, colder temperatures, and a phenomenon called temperature inversion (where a layer of warm air traps pollutants close to the ground) create a “pollution trap” over the region. This leads to higher concentrations of particulate matter in the air, worsening the smog.
• Valley Effect: Delhi’s geography creates a “valley effect” where pollutants settle in the low-lying areas, making it difficult for polluted air to disperse. The flat plains and limited airflow during the winter months make the city more vulnerable to prolonged pollution episodes.